Weather conditions are expected to become more unstable in four Arab countries over the coming period, with an increased risk of thunderstorm showers and more sustained electrical activity, according to the latest forecasts reported by Arab Weather.
Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia are affected, particularly in their northern regions, while the south and west of Saudi Arabia could also experience stormy episodes.
The essentials
- The north of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia is particularly affected by instability.
- Locally heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms are possible.
- Strong electrical activity could accompany the storm cells.
- Water accumulations are possible in some low-lying areas in case of intense short-duration rainfall.
- In Saudi Arabia, the risks mainly concern the southern and western parts of the country.
Maghreb: thunderstorms are expected to intensify
According to Arab Weather, atmospheric conditions are becoming more favorable for the development of cumulonimbus clouds over several regions in northern Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.
This configuration could foster sometimes sustained rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and pronounced electrical activity.
Certain thunderstorm cells could locally generate heavy rainfall over a short period. In the most exposed areas, these showers could cause temporary water accumulations and a brief rise in water levels in low-lying areas.
The intensity and geographic extent of the precipitation should however remain variable from one region to another, depending on the location and evolution of the thunderstorm cells.
Saudi Arabia: rain expected in the south and west
In Saudi Arabia, forecasts from the National Meteorology Center indicate a risk of thundery showers in certain regions of the south and west of the Kingdom.
The thunderstorm cells could be accompanied by rainfall of varying intensity as well as gusts of wind.
Episodes of hail and significant electrical activity remain possible locally, depending on the evolution of convective clouds and their concentration zone.
